David Westwood is a wall and floor tiling specialist based in the Midlands, who had been landscaping and installing paving for 22 years outside in natural stone and concrete, before deciding in 2017 that he needed to develop his skills further and take on a new challenge.
David began to see a new generation of tilers creating designs and using methods that really sparked a creativity in him to follow. After installing wall and floor tiles in his own home and a few clients’ homes, this was the direction he felt really inspired to go down.
David started installing wall and floor tiles after seeing a new generation of tilers using a variety of methods to create designs. To begin his new career, David enrolled on an intensive short course that gave him all the basics to get started. Over the next year, David worked with other tilers and bathroom installers to learn his craft, soon teaching other tilers the correct current standards and methods. “I studied from all resources, books, internet documents and online forums, I attended as many seminars, trade days and webinars as I could with brands like Kerakoll, HardieBacker, BAL and ARDEX to name a few.”
David has continued to push himself to be as educated about tiling as possible, enrolling on TTA’s large format tiles and panels training course. This course provided him with the necessary training needed to install a large tile correctly and safely.
Over the past year, David has attended several TTA Technical masterclasses, which have been invaluable for his own knowledge. Going forward, David wishes to be able to train the next generation of tilers in the best practices and techniques.
“I regularly receive phone calls or messages from my fellow local tilers and tile shops, looking for advice or to know what the current regulations are for the project they’re working on. I am always happy to advise even if they are my competitor, as I believe it is about the tiling industry as a whole. To try and ensure that all tiling is carried out to a high standard and for the benefit of the client, I have on occasions left my own projects to help fellow tilers, so I can show them new ways or correct ways of doing things, which improves their knowledge and ensures a better finish for the client.”
Since he began tiling, David has been fascinated by the history of tiles and how fashions have changed over time, with different colours, textures and techniques being used. “The most beautiful thing for me though is using Victorian floor tiles. I love using large format tiles for that sleek modern high-end look, but there is something that really lights a fire in me and warms my heart to install an encaustic hallway knowing that it will be there for generations to come.”
This year, David won TTA’s 2023 Tile Fixer of the Year. This Award recognises an outstanding individual wall and floor tile fixer who has a history of exceptional projects and achievements, as well as industry qualifications if held.
David also became a TTA Master Tile Fixer this year, which is the certification scheme introduced to support TTA’s vision of ‘raising tile and tiling standards and enhancing installation expertise and craftsmanship’. The scheme certifies highly experienced and skilled independent tile fixers with the aim of promoting best practice and encouraging existing tiling professionals to strive for excellence.
“Tiling is in no way just a job for me, it is an art form and craft that inspires me every day to be better than I was yesterday, and I feel extremely privileged to be able to make a living doing something that I love and feel so passionate about.”
